Maryland's Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License

In Maryland, driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. The penalties depend on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or a suspended license due to DUI or points accumulation.

A first offense typically results in a fine between $100 and $500, and you may face up to 60 days in jail. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $200 to $1,000 and jail time up to 90 days. A third or subsequent offense can mean fines up to $1,000 and up to 120 days in jail. These penalties explore even if you were not involved in an accident or traffic violation while driving.

Beyond criminal penalties, Maryland will extend your suspension period. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may add additional months to your original suspension, and you will be required to pay reinstatement fees before you can legally drive again.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a criminal offense with jail time possible on a first offense.
  • Fines range from $100 to $1,000 depending on how many times you have been convicted, and penalties increase significantly for repeat offenses.
  • Your suspension period will be extended by the MVA, and you must pay reinstatement fees before your license can be restored.
  • You can check your license status through the Maryland MVA website or by calling their customer service line before driving.

How to Check If Your License Is Suspended in Maryland

Before you drive, you can verify your license status through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Visit the MVA website and use their online license status checker, or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (in the Baltimore area) or 1-800-638-8437 (toll-free). You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to check.

If you discover your license is suspended, do not drive. Instead, contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to understand why it happened and what steps are required to restore it. Some suspensions can be lifted when ready once you resolve the underlying issue—such as paying outstanding fines or appearing in court.

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Maryland

Maryland suspends licenses for several reasons. The most common is accumulating too many points on your driving record—12 points in two years triggers a suspension. Unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, and unpaid child support also result in suspension. DUI convictions carry mandatory suspensions, as do medical suspensions if the MVA determines you are unfit to drive.

Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved. For example, if your license was suspended because of unpaid fines, paying those fines may restore your driving privileges when ready. Other suspensions, like those for DUI, have a fixed duration and cannot be shortened.

Steps to Restore Your License After Suspension

The process depends on why your license was suspended. If the suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the MVA to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Once paid, your license may be restored within one to two business days.

If your suspension was for failure to appear in court, you must appear before a judge to resolve the case. The court will either dismiss the case, find you guilty, or require you to pay fines. Only after the court resolves the case will the MVA lift the suspension.

For DUI suspensions, you must wait out the mandatory suspension period set by Maryland law. During this time, you may be able to request a work permit that allows you to drive to and from work only. After the suspension period ends, you must pay the reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150) and pass a vision and written test before your license is restored.

Reinstatement Fees and What to Expect

Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, the MVA will charge a reinstatement fee before restoring your license. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. Reinstatement fees in Maryland typically range from $100 to $150, depending on the type of suspension.

You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. After payment is processed, your license status will be updated, usually within one to two business days. You will receive written confirmation from the MVA.

Driving With a Suspended License: Insurance and Your Record

A conviction for driving on a suspended license will appear on your criminal record and your driving record. This conviction can affect your ability to obtain car insurance, and if you do find coverage, your rates will increase significantly. Some insurers will not cover you at all if you have a recent conviction for this offense.

The conviction also adds points to your driving record in Maryland. Accumulating additional points while your license is already suspended can lead to a longer suspension period or a license revocation, which is more serious than a suspension and may require a hearing before the MVA to restore.

What to Do If You Are Stopped While Driving on a Suspended License

If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be cited for the offense. The officer may impound your vehicle, and you may be arrested depending on the circumstances and whether you have prior convictions. Do not argue with the officer or attempt to drive away.

Request a copy of the citation and ask the officer where you should appear in court. You have the right to contest the charge in court, though the burden of proof is low—the state only needs to show that your license was suspended at the time you were driving. If you have documentation showing you were unaware of the suspension or that you had taken steps to restore it, bring that to court.

Contact a criminal defense attorney in Maryland as soon as possible. An attorney can review the circumstances of your stop, determine whether the officer had legal grounds to stop you, and represent you in court. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a work permit to drive while my license is suspended?

Maryland offers a work permit (called a "restricted license") in some cases, particularly for DUI suspensions. You must request this through the MVA and demonstrate that you need to drive to work. Not all suspension types may have access to for a work permit, so contact the MVA to ask whether yours does.

What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?

A suspension is temporary—your license will be restored once you meet certain conditions or after a set period. A revocation is permanent or long-term and typically requires a hearing before the MVA to be overturned. Driving on a suspended license can lead to revocation if you are convicted multiple times.

Will my insurance cover an accident if I was driving on a suspended license?

Most insurance policies will not cover accidents that occur while you are driving illegally. Your insurer may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages. This is one of the most serious financial consequences of driving on a suspended license.

How long does a suspended license conviction stay on my record?

In Maryland, a conviction for driving on a suspended license remains on your criminal record permanently unless you petition for expungement. However, for insurance and employment purposes, it typically affects you most heavily for three to five years after the conviction.

Can I appeal my license suspension?

Yes, you can request a hearing before the MVA to contest your suspension. You must submit a written request within a certain timeframe after receiving notice of the suspension. An attorney can help you prepare your case and represent you at the hearing.